By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The White House has outlined a deal with TikTok that would grant US companies control of the platform’s algorithm. Under this agreement, Americans will hold six out of seven board seats for the app’s US operations, and Oracle will manage data and privacy concerns. Former President Trump has expressed support for the deal, stating that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping approved of the plan; however, the Chinese government has yet to comment definitively. The US had previously sought to take TikTok’s US operations away from ByteDance due to national security concerns related to user data.
Read the original article here
The White House’s outline of a deal concerning TikTok, specifically one that would grant the US government control over its algorithm, has sparked a flurry of reactions, and it’s easy to see why. The immediate concern that arises is the potential for TikTok to transform into another platform for biased content. It seems the fear is that TikTok could become a tool for disseminating propaganda, echoing the existing concerns surrounding platforms like Twitter and Facebook, and by extension, turning into a “TrumpTok.”
The underlying sentiment seems to be that this move signals a shift from one form of perceived manipulation to another. Previously, the argument was that TikTok’s Chinese ownership was a threat due to potential propaganda. Now, the worry is that it would simply transition to American-driven propaganda. The idea of a US-controlled TikTok, with its algorithm dictating what millions of users, particularly younger generations, see, conjures a sense of dread. This kind of control could lead to the relentless promotion of specific political agendas, essentially creating a digital echo chamber.
The potential ramifications extend beyond simple political bias. Some express a deeper concern about the very nature of social media itself. The current landscape is increasingly shaped by the algorithms of social media platforms, with users often locked into the ecosystem of these businesses. With people’s livelihoods on the line, it makes it difficult to simply ditch an app like TikTok.
The fundamental fear is that the transition might not be about genuine security concerns but rather about gaining control over the flow of information. This creates the perception that access to objective information will become even more limited.
Given the situation, many are left wondering what alternative is there other than to delete the app and look for content elsewhere. One thing is for sure, the question of what the future of TikTok is going to look like remains unanswered. And, the debate continues.